Stratheden Hospital
Stratheden Hospital, originally established as the Fife and Kinross District Asylum on July 1, 1866, was designed to offer mental health care for up to 200 individuals. Sir John Batty Tuke, the first chief physician, sought to revolutionize treatment by implementing an “open door” policy, a progressive approach that his successors upheld. This forward-thinking strategy proved effective, earning Stratheden a reputation as one of Scotland's premier mental health facilities for many years.
In 1896, an expansion initiative began, aiming to boost the hospital's capacity to 600 patients, culminating in the addition of two new wings in 1905. A significant development occurred in the 1960s with the establishment of a “Child and Family Psychiatry” department, designed to support children, adolescents, and their families. This commitment to family care was further enhanced in 1975 with the opening of two dedicated inpatient buildings.
Following the NHS Act of 1947, the Fife and Kinross District Asylum underwent reorganization under new management, adopting the name Stratheden Hospital shortly thereafter. Today, the Victorian section of Stratheden stands abandoned and off-limits to the public, while the newer facilities remain operational. The site is still home to patients, nurses, and visitors, making access challenging.
Within the vacant buildings, remnants of patient artwork can be discovered, alongside the unsettling sight of numerous dead birds scattered throughout the rooms and hallways.
